The California Senate approved six contracts with 50,000 state workers. The contracts are expected to save the state around $300 million, and include 2-5% increases in the amount that workers pay toward their pensions. The Governor had said that he wanted to save $515 million in labor , and some say that by not reaching that figure, the state will be in more trouble. California is facing a $15 billion deficit. The legislation now moves to the State Assembly.
See "California Senate OKs contracts for 6 state unions", Adam Weintraub, Business Week, May 3, 2011